Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Marco Guida

Line-ups: Atalanta-Juventus

May 8, 2013

Atalanta will be hoping Juventus have a Scudetto hangover when they meet in Bergamo this evening.

The midweek round continues at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia.

Antonio Conte and his men partied into the night on Sunday with an open-top bus tour of the city after securing their second consecutive Scudetto.

Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Nicklas Bendtner and Kwadwo Asamoah miss out, while Paul Pogba begins his three-match ban for spitting at an opponent.

It gives rare starts to Marco Storari, Luca Marrone, Mauricio Isla, Paolo De Ceglie, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella.

Atalanta still need a point to be safe from the threat of relegation, but have dropped Marko Livaja for disciplinary reasons for the second time in a month.

Franco Brienza, Guido Marilungo, Igor Budan and Riccardo Cazzola are on the treatment table.

ATALANTA: Consigli; Raimondi, Stendardo, Canini, Del Grosso; Carmona, Cigarini, Biondini; Moralez, Bonaventura; Denis

Atalanta bench: Parra, Frezzolini, Ferri, Scaloni, Capelli, Contini, Bellini, Brivio, Radovanovic, Giorgi, De Luca, Polito


JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Marrone, Chiellini; Isla, Padoin, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Matri, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Rubinho, Branescu, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Peluso, Giovinco, Vucinic, Anelka

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

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Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 1

Alessandro Matri (18′)

Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬14000 ‎

Matri ensures Scudetto celebrations continue

The Bianconeri were made to work exceedingly hard for their win, and were perhaps
fortunate to escape with the points in the end after the hosts were denied a clear late penalty.

May 8, 2013

Newly-crowned Serie A champions Juventus continued their stellar domestic run of results with a narrow 1-0 win over Atalanta at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri had little left to play for after clinching the Scudetto against Palermo on Sunday, but picked up their ninth straight league win thanks to Alessandro Matri's well-worked first-half goal.

With the title wrapped up over the weekend, Antonio Conte opted to give some of the less-heralded names in his squad a chance to shine, as Marco Storari, Luca Marrone and Simone Padoin all started.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute courtesy of good work from Andrea Pirlo who clipped a sublime pass between the centre-backs for Matri, who controlled superbly before lashing into the far side.

The goal seemed to coax the home side out of their shell, but it was Juve who nearly struck again less than 10 minutes later. Mauricio Isla’s fantastic cross was begging to be met and Paolo De Ceglie obliged, but his stooping header was just wide.

But just when it seemed like matters on the pitch were picking up, events in the stands grounded proceedings to a halt. Flares and smoke bombs were thrown, forcing the referee to stop the game, with Conte and Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini making frantic appeals for the away fans to behave.

When play resumed Martin Caceres gave the ball away and German Denis pounced from a quick cross, smashing the ball towards goal from inside the box, only to see the base of the post deny him.

Atalanta continued to look dangerous after the restart, but it was Juve who carved out the better opportunities. Emanuele Giaccherini blasted over the bar at the end of a counter, before Matri missed a gilt-edged cross from Isla yards out.

The game exploded back into life in the 81st minute. Federico Peluso avoided a penalty call for a clear handball and Juve were swiftly down the other end of the pitch, with substitute Arturo Vidal seeing a close-range effort denied by Andrea Consigli.

That was the last meaningful action of the match, but Atalanta perhaps were not too disappointed in the final score, as results elsewhere confirmed their survival for another campaign.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 1

Alessandro Matri (18′)

Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬14000 ‎

Matri happy with Juve goal count

May 8, 2013

Alessandro Matri is satisfied with the contribution he has made to Juventus’ Scudetto success this term.

Speaking after he netted the only goal in the win at Atalanta on Wednesday, the Italian international reflected on his campaign.

“It’s been fantastic because we’ve won the Scudetto, but also positive from a personal point of view,” he stated.

“Obviously a striker looks at his own statistics, but all things considered, I think I’ve got a good goals to minutes played ratio.

“Everyone wants to play all the time, but we know that’s just not possible.”

Matri has netted eight goals in 21 League games, which relate to 991 minutes of action in the top-flight.

However, the former Cagliari man’s future at the club is in some doubt given that Juve may freshen up their attacking department over the summer.

“I want to be a part of this group of strikers,” he underlined. “This constant talk of top players has somewhat overshadowed the great work of our attackers.

“Obviously you need the quality of champions to be able to win in Europe, but I think that after two Scudetto titles, people should give credit to those who have helped achieve them.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 1

Alessandro Matri (18′)

Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬14000 ‎

Juventus target 92 points

May 9, 2013

Juventus have one more objective left this season – to beat the 91 points won by Fabio Capello’s Old Lady side.

That record total was collected by the latter in the 2005-06 campaign, although the club were later stripped of that Scudetto and demoted to Serie B for their part in Calciopoli.

“We’re going to try our very best to beat Capello’s record,” assistant boss Angelo Alessio stated after the 1-0 win over Atalanta.

“We managed to win a very difficult match in Bergamo. Credit to the lads who always train really hard and ensure they’re in shape for the game.

“Over the last two years, this group of players has been amazing and really embraced the club’s hard-working culture.

“Coming here and winning against an Atalanta side fighting for survival was no easy task.”

Juventus, currently on 86 points, need wins in their last two games – at home to Cagliari and away to Sampdoria – to set a new club first.

The Bianconeri have won their last nine games in the top flight.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 1

Alessandro Matri (18′)

Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬14000 ‎

Juve and Atalanta fined €50,000

May 9, 2013

Atalanta and Juventus have both been fined €50,000 for the crowd trouble that saw their game suspended for eight minutes.

The 1-0 Juve win in Bergamo on Wednesday evening had to be halted for eight minutes while Coach Antonio Conte and players from both teams tried to negotiate with the supporters to stay calm.

Atalanta ultras had thrown objects at a bus full of Juve fans outside the stadium and problems carried on inside, where the two sets of supporters threw fireworks and other dangerous objects into each others’ sections.

Both Juventus and Atalanta have been fined €50,000 and given a warning after the crowd trouble.

The Disciplinary Commission’s report today revealed there were five people injured in the clashes, which saw tiles broken off from the stadium toilets and used as projectiles.

Napoli were fined €3,000 for a member of their staff’s insulting and provocative behaviour towards the opposition bench, while Coach Walter Mazzarri received a €15,000 fine for dissent.

The following players were handed a one-match ban:

Edgar Barreto (Palermo), Luca Cigarini (Atalanta), Luciano (Chievo), Alberto Gilardino (Bologna), Massimo Gobbi (Parma), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna), Juan Jesus (Inter), Paul Papp (Chievo), Alvaro Pereira (Inter), Diego Perez (Bologna), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Giuseppe Rizzo (Pescara), Alexis Rolin (Catania), Alessandro Rosina (Siena), Guglielmo Stendardo (Atalanta).

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Juventus-Cagliari Preview:
Bianconeri seeking 10th consecutive league victory

Antonio Conte is determined to win both remaining games of the season in order
to beat the Old Lady's record points tally of 91, set by Fabio Capello's side in 2006.

May 10, 2013

Antonio Conte will be without suspended midfield duo Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba for Juventus' final home clash of the season against Cagliari on Saturday.

Andrea Barzagli is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension which kept him out of the 1-0 victory away at Atalanta while Leonardo Bonucci, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Gianluigi Buffon and Arturo Vidal should all return to the fold after being rested.

Alessandro Matri is expected to keep his place up front after scoring in midweek and the former Cagliari striker could be partnered with Sebastian Giovinco, although Nicolas Anelka and Nicklas Bendtner are also pushing for starts.

As for Cagliari, Mauricio Pinilla returns after his initial three-game ban was reduced to two matches and Albin Ekdal could start against his former employers.

However, the game comes too soon for Francesco Pisano and Matias Cabrera who remain sidelined through injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus have won their last five Serie A matches without conceding a single goal.

• Cagliari have only scored in three of their last eight league matches.

• In the reverse fixture back in September, the Old Lady emerged 3-1 victors with a late double from Alessandro Matri and a goal from Mirko Vucinic, after Mauricio Pinilla had given the Sardinians a first-half lead.

• Saturday's showdown will be the 66th time that the two sides have met in Serie A. Juventus have won on 30 occasions, losing 11 matches and drawing 24 times.

• Alessandro Matri scored 38 goals in 131 appearances for the Rossoblu before his €15.5 million transfer to Juventus in 2011.

• Marco Sau is Cagliari's leading Serie A marksman with twelve goals. Arturo Vidal's recent goalscoring spree has propelled him to the top of the Bianconeri's standings with ten.

Head to Head

Serie A - Dec 21, 2012 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3
Coppa Italia - Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0
Serie A - May 6, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Juventus 2
Serie A - Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1
Serie A - Feb 5, 2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3


Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

May 8, 2013 Atalanta 0 - Juventus 1 Serie A
May 5, 2013 Juventus 1 - Palermo 0 Serie A
Apr 28, 2013 Torino 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A
Apr 21, 2013 Juventus 1 - AC Milan 0 Serie A
Apr 15, 2013 Lazio 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A

CAGLIARI

May 8, 2013 Cagliari 0 - Parma 1 Serie A
May 4, 2013 Chievo 0 - Cagliari 0 Serie A
Apr 27, 2013 Cagliari 0 - Udinese 1 Serie A
Apr 21, 2013 SSC Napoli 3 - Cagliari 2 Serie A
Apr 14, 2013 Cagliari 2 - FC Internazionale 0 Serie A


Players to Watch

Alessandro Matri

The former Cagliari striker has found it difficult to nail down a starting berth in Antonio Conte's starting eleven this campaign and will be determined to prove his worth once again after impressing in a rare start in midweek. The 28-year-old has notched eight league goals so far and will be hoping to replicate his feat from December when he scored twice against the Rossoblu.

Radja Nainggolan

The Belgium international has become a fan's favourite with his powerful box-to-box playing style and tireless work rate. The 25-year-old is an integral part of Ivo Pulga's line-up and has registered more outfield appearances than any other Rossoblu player this season. Unsurprisingly, he has been linked to a host of top European clubs, including Juventus, ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.


Prediction

Cagliari are experiencing an end-of-season slump, having secured only five points from a possible last 18. Juventus, however, are in fine form with nine league wins on the bounce, conceding only two goals in the process. Conte's side are bidding for their highest-ever points total and they should have enough firepower to see off the Sardinian challenge and claim a 20th Serie A clean sheet of the season.

Editor's Prediction

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CAGLIARI

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Juventus-Cagliari MATCH PREVIEW

May 10, 2013

Juventus are aiming to better a club points record, while Cagliari are nestled safely within mid-table.

The Bianconeri earned their ninth consecutive victory midweek at Atalanta. Alessandro Matri scored the only goal in a flat performance that followed the Scudetto celebrations.

Antonio Conte’s side are on track to beat the club’s highest season points tally. It sits at 91, from the Calciopoli-affected 2005-06 campaign. Six points in the final two games means they’ll finish a point ahead.

Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo are suspended, while Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Nicklas Bendtner are to be rested with slight injuries. Simone Pepe is also missing.

Cagliari fell on Wednesday to a defeat at ‘home’ to Parma. The Trieste-based encounter was decided by Ducali player Aleandro Rosi with only 11 minutes remaining.

It continues a four-match winless streak for a Rossoblu side playing with the comfort of knowing their Serie A status is secure. Cagliari are 11th and have assured a mid-table finish.

Francesco Pisano is the only player absent. Davide Astori and Mauricio Pinilla return to the squad having missed the Parma clash.

Cagliari have found the going tough in Turin, claiming victory just twice. Juve have won on 18 occasions, but held to a draw - including last season - 12 times.

Keep an eye on: Luca Marrone (Juventus) – The Italian Under-21 international was fielded in the heart of defence in Bergamo but given the suspensions to Pirlo and Pogba, a role in midfield beckons. This is a chance to remind of his capabilities in his natural spot.

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Cagliari (W L L D L)

Last season: Juventus 1-1 Cagliari

Stat fact: Alessandro Matri scored four goals for Cagliari against Juve, including the winner in the Rossoblu’s last Turin triumph in 2008-09.

JUVENTUS (probable): Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Giaccherini, Marrone, Marchisio, Peluso; Quagliarella, Matri

CAGLIARI (probable): Agazzi; Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Murru; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Cossu; Pinilla, Ibarbo

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Conte wants 'best possible' finish

May 10, 2013

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has insisted that his side want to finish the season as strongly as possible.

The Bianconeri host Cagliari on Saturday looking for the three points that could take them to 89 points.

And the tactician has claimed that his team will not take their foot off the gas, as they hope to break the club's points record for a season.

“We want to try and continue what has been done so far,” he told a Press conference. “And finish the season in the best possible way.

“We need two wins for an important record, so that will be an additional motivation for us.

“If we can beat that it will be cause for further satisfaction.

“Last year we had a beautiful ceremony, so I urge the fans not to invade the pitch at the end of the game.

“We want to raise the trophy in front of our fans. We want to celebrate all together in the best way.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Juve name sqaud for Cagliari

May 10, 2013

Juventus have named their 21-man squad for the match against Cagliari on Saturday.

The Bianconeri host the Isolani looking for the three points that could take them on to 89 points and within reach of a club record.

But they will have to do so without Andrea Pirlo, who is suspended following his booking against Atalanta in the week. Paul Pogab is also unavailable through suspension.


Juventus squad to face Cagliari: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Anelka, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Marrone

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Pulga appreciates Juve test

May 10, 2013

Cagliari Coach Ivo Pulga knows his team will be up against it when they face Juventus tomorrow evening.

The Isolani travel to Turin looking for the three points that could derail the Bianconeri's hopes of beating their League points total record.

But the 48-year-old has admitted that it will be a tough task.

“Tomorrow is going to be a real game,” he told a Press conference. “Conte has instilled a winning mentality in his players.

“Juventus are a great team that have won the League well.

“It is going to be difficult to deal with them.

“We have put in some good performances recently. We will fight until the end of the season - 10th place is our goal.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Cagliari squad to face Juve

May 10, 2013

Cagliari have named their 22-man squad for the match against Juventus in Turin on Saturday evening.

Ivo Pulga's side travel north looking for the three points that could stop the Bianconeri's bid to beat the club's record League points total.

And the Isolani will do so with virtually a full complement of players to choose from – with only the injured Matias Cabrera unavailable.


Cagliari squad to face Juventus: Agazzi, Anedda e Avramov, Ariaudo, Astori, Avelar, Del Fabro, Murru, Perico, Rossettini, Casarini, Conti, Cossu, Dessena, Ekdal, Eriksson, Nainggolan, Ibarbo, Nenè, Pinilla, Sau, Thiago Ribeiro

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Line-ups: Juventus-Cagliari

May 11, 2013

Juventus have already secured the Scudetto, but are now targeting Fabio Capello’s points record as Alessandro Matri leads the way against Cagliari.

The Bianconeri will be presented with the Serie A title trophy after the final whistle of today’s 17.00 UK time kick-off in Turin.

They beat Atalanta in the midweek round despite rotating the squad and aim to keep up the standard so they can surpass Capello’s record of 91 points in the 2005-06 campaign.

Having won the last nine on the bounce, Juve go into this game without the suspended Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba.

Kwadwo Asamoah, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe are injured, while Andrea Barzagli is back after minor fitness problems.

Gigi Buffon is again rested so Marco Storari can take some of the glory in goal, while Sebastian Giovinco partners Matri.

Youngster Luca Marrone gets the rare opportunity to start in midfield, as he tends to be used as a centre-back by Juve despite playing in Pirlo’s role for the Italy Under-21 side.

Cagliari clinched their mathematical safety and have a full squad to choose from, as Francesco Pisano is the only absentee.

Mauricio Pinilla starts after his three-match ban was reduced to two on appeal, joining the pacy Victor Ibarbo.


JUVENTUS: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Marrone, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Giovinco, Matri

Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Caceres, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Peluso, Anelka, Padoin, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella


CAGLIARI: Agazzi; Perico, Rossettini, Astori; Murru, Dessena, Conti, Ekdal, Nainggolan; Pinilla, Ibarbo

Cagliari bench: Avramov, Del Fabro, Eriksson, Cossu, Thiago Ribeiro, Nenè, Sau

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese

Marotta 'talked Juve signings'

May 11, 2013

Juventus are awarded the Scudetto trophy today and Beppe Marotta confirms he has now “talked with Antonio Conte about the new signings.”

The Bianconeri transfer guru always said he would keep discussions over strategy until the end of the season, but the club has now achieved its objective by mathematically securing the title.

“Today we are witnessing the apotheosis of a wonderful campaign,” said Marotta before the game with Cagliari.

“We have talked with Conte over what will be the new signings. Our objective is to improve, as we want to be protagonists in Europe too.”

Among the names circulated in the media today are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic.

“It is just fantasy football. I want to compliment the players in our squad now, as they have achieved great things.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Bianconeri fall short in bid for record points haul

Antonio Conte's men had been hoping to make club history by winning their final two games
but they needed a Mirko Vucinic header to salvage a point against the visitors.

May 11, 2013

Juventus' hopes of breaking their points record for a single Serie A season were dashed by a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari on Saturday evening.

In truth, the Bianconeri were somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw, having fallen behind to a stunning solo strike from Victor Ibarbo.

However, Mirko Vucinic came off the bench to earn the hosts a draw with a simple header from a terrific knock-down from man of the match Arturo Vidal.

With the title having been sealed against Palermo last weekend, the Bianconeri had little to play for - and it showed for long stretches. However, coach Antonio Conte had spoken beforehand of his desire to see his side win their two remaining fixtures and thus break the club's previous points record of 91.

Consequently, it was no surprise to see the home side begin in a lively fashion, with Vidal particularly prominent early on, putting Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only to see his team-mate take too long to get a shot away, before then drawing a spectacular save from Michael Agazzi with a fine strike from distance.

However, Ibarbo had also started in stirring fashion and it was he who opened the scoring. The Colombian had already frightened the life out of Andrea Barzagli with one drive from deep when he took on the classy centre-back again 13 minutes in.

Barzagli had Claudio Marchisio for support but Ibarbo, who had picked up possession inside his own half, simply stormed past the pair of them before coolly slotting the ball underneath Marco Storari to end Juve's five-game run without conceding.

The ease with which the Colombian had cut inside Barzagli had been staggering but it was somewhat explained by the Italy international's injury-enforced withdrawal just moments later.

In truth, Cagliari looked the better side after Ibarbo's strike but Juve were desperately unfortunate not to have drawn level just after the half-hour mark when Giovinco's measured free kick struck the crossbar and bounced down on the wrong side of the goalline from the home side's perspective.

Vidal continued to drive Juve forward but, as it was, the champions went in a goal down at the break, so it was hardly surprising that Conte decided to introduce Vucinic early in the second half.

The Montenegrin took a while to get into the game but Emanuele Giaccherini was causing all sorts of problems down the left-hand side and the Bianconeri's utility man went close to drawing his side level after cutting into the area only to see Agazzi get down well to keep out the wing-back's low strike.

Vucinic made his mark just moments later, though, nodding home from close range after Vidal had busted a gut to get on the end of Marchisio's cross to the back post and head the ball back across the goal.

Juve poured forward in search of a winner, with Marchisio going close late on, but there was to be no denying the Rossoblu, who, in fairness, were good value for their point.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Ibarbo ruins Juve record

A sensational Victor Ibarbo run from his own half earned a 1-1 draw
for Cagliari and ends Juventus hopes of setting a new points record.

May 11, 2013

The Bianconeri had already secured the Scudetto last week, but were now hoping to target Fabio Capello’s 2005-06 record of 91 points, even though that title was revoked in the Calciopoli trial. Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba were suspended with Gigi Buffon among those rested, so Luca Marrone got a rare opportunity to start in his favoured midfield role. Cagliari were safe mid-table and had Mauricio Pinilla back after his three-match ban was reduced to two on appeal.

The Juve players all walked out of the tunnel holding their children, all wearing miniature Bianconeri kits, as flags waved in a fantastic party atmosphere.

Michael Agazzi had to beat away a fierce Arturo Vidal snapshot from distance, but Cagliari started aggressively and broke the deadlock in Turin.

Victor Ibarbo gathered in his own half, then turned on the turbo to burst between two defenders and used great strength to hold off Claudio Marchisio, then fired the shot so it squirmed underneath Marco Storari. It was a sensational solo effort, as Ibarbo slowed down and then suddenly cut inside to whizz past his opponents.

Andrea Barzagli went off moments later with a muscular injury to make way for Martin Caceres. Radja Nainggolan’s angled drive flashed across the face of goal and Sebastian Giovinco went down on the very edge of the box with Davide Astori, but the referee awarded a corner.

Alessandro Matri’s scuffed shot was deflected and Agazzi smothered a Marchisio daisy-cutter. Giovinco was very unlucky on 33 minutes, as he curled a free kick over the wall and it thumped the underside of the crossbar, bouncing back off the ground and out with Agazzi stranded.

Nicola Murru got a crucial block to stop Matri turning in a Giovinco pull-back from 10 yards. Cagliari thought they were going to score another in stoppages when Pinilla fired straight at Storari from point-blank range, but the offside flag had already been raised.

After the restart Agazzi needed his wits about him to get down and palm Emanuele Giaccherini’s low drive round the base of the near post.

Juve were far more attacking in this half and equalised when Marchisio chipped up a cross from the by-line for Arturo Vidal to nod back into the six-yard box where Mirko Vucinic tapped in. Agazzi only flapped at Vidal’s headed assist.

Vidal flung himself at a Giaccherini cross moments later, but couldn’t quite get on the end of it, while Radja Nainggolan drilled wide from distance.

Marchisio almost scored a strange goal with his chest, deflecting a Mauricio Isla cross just past the upright. Vucinic also sprung the offside trap and fired straight at Agazzi, then Isla’s screamer flashed inches over the bar.

Vucinic fired off target with Agazzi rooted to the spot in stoppages after Giorgio Chiellini’s acrobatic intervention prevented Pinilla going clear on goal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JUVENTUS: Storari; Barzagli (Caceres 14), Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Marrone, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Giovinco (Vucinic 51), Matri (Quagliarella 71)

CAGLIARI: Agazzi; Perico (Cossu 54), Rossettini, Astori (Eriksson 65); Murru (Del Fabro 53), Dessena, Conti, Ekdal, Nainggolan; Pinilla, Ibarbo

Ref: Calvarese

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Juve share spoils with Cagliari

May 11, 2013

Juventus had to rely on an equaliser from Mirko Vucinic as they failed to celebrate their Serie A title triumph with victory over Cagliari.

The Turin side had wrapped up their 31st Scudetto title last weekend with a narrow victory over Palermo and their next target was beating their own points record set in 2006 under Fabio Capello.

However, today proved to be a damp squib as they were shocked by the visitors who took the lead through Victor Ibarbo after 12 minutes before Vucinic levelled after 61 minutes.

Juve were the first to show with Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi forced to save Arturo Vidal's 30-yard shot which was heading for the corner.

Cagliari were ahead a minute later with a fine solo goal from Ibarbo who passed Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli before moving inside the box and scoring in the bottom left-hand corner.

Emanuele Giaccherini shot high and wide for the hosts before Radja Nainggolan sent an effort narrowly wide of the right post as the visitors took the game to the champions.

Agazzi saved well in the bottom right-hand corner from Marchisio before Juve almost levelled when the goalkeeper was well beaten by Sebastian Giovinco's free-kick which smashed against the bar.

Juve had built up a head of steam with Alessandro Matri twice shooting over as they failed to pierce the visiting defence before half-time.

Ibarbo shot over for Cagliari but Juve started the second half as they finished the first but they found Agazzi in inspired form.

An unmarked Giaccherini was denied by the keeper at his near post and he then blocked Matri's turn and shot before Vucinic fired over.

However, Cagliari's resistance was ended with a little under half an hour remaining.

Marchisio crossed from the left was headed on by Vidal with Agazzi failing to take the catch and Vucinic tapping in.

Marchisio then skimmed the post with a header and Mauricio Isla's drilled shot went narrowly over as Juve searched for the winner.

Cagliari showed they were not a spent force when Nainggolan's right-footed shot from outside the box was only narrowly wide as the game finished in a draw.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Player Ratings

Goal evaluates the performances of everyone involved as the Bianconeri came
from behind to snatch a draw thanks to second-half substitute Mirko Vucinic.

May 11, 2013

JUVENTUS

Marco Storari - Was let down by his team-mates in the build-up to Cagliari's opener but, in truth, he really should have kept out what was a poorly-struck shot from Ibarbo.

Andrea Barzagli - Endured a nightmare 14 minutes on the field, twice being made a fool of by Ibarbo before eventually being forced off through injury, with Caceres coming on in his place.

Leonardo Bonucci - Like Barzagli, struggled to contain Ibarbo at times. But stepped out of the defence to good effect, distributing the ball very constructively, as per usual.

Giorgio Chiellini - Predictably fine defensive display from Chiellini, but he blotted his copybook with a stupid yellow card for diving in the dying seconds which rules him out of next weekend's game against Sampdoria.

Mauricio Isla - Came off second best in an early challenge with Astori but did put over some decent crosses. However, given the amount of ball he saw, his final product just wasn't good enough.

Claudio Marchisio - Failed dismally to stop Ibarbo from opening the scoring, struggling to keep up with the Cagliari forward before then being simply barged out of the way. However, he was excellent thereafter and played a key role in Vucinic's equaliser.

Luca Marrone - A rare start for Marrone in midfield but he failed to make the most of it. Indeed, he was anonymous for the duration of the game.

Arturo Vidal - Started very brightly, putting Giovinco in on goal and testing Agazzi with a fine strike from distance inside the opening 10 minutes. Continued to drive Juve forward thereafter and set up the equaliser with a clever downward header.

Emanuele Giaccherini - Juve's utility man did a fine job on the left wing, tormenting Perico at every opportunity and creating chances for the likes of Vidal and Marchisio. Final ball does continue to let him down a tad, though.

Sebastian Giovinco - Made a mess of an early opening, taking far too long to get a shot away, but was so unlucky to see his measured free kick come back off the underside of the bar. Struggled thereafter, though, perhaps because of injury, and was replaced just after the break.

Alessandro Matri - Busy enough up top but did not make the most of the half-chances that came his way, seeing the majority of his efforts blocked. Inevitably replaced by Quagliarella for the final quarter.


Substitutions

Martín Cáceres - Made an unexpectedly early entrance, coming on in place of the injured Barzagli with less than 15 minutes on the clock and performed well, even playing on after suffering a heavy knock.

Mirko Vučinić - Introduced less than 10 minutes into the second half and wasted little time in making his presence felt, heading home Vidal's knockdown to level matters. Very nearly won it with a curling effort at the death, too.

Fabio Quagliarella - Came on for Matri midway through the second half and carried a far greater goalscoring threat.

CAGLIARI

Michael Agazzi - Lucky that the bar came to his rescue after being beaten all ends up by Giovinco's dipping free kick. But he made a string of solid stops and one spectacular save from a stinging Vidal drive.

Davide Astori - A tremendously-timed sliding challenge on Isla six minutes in set the tone for a tremendously composed and committed display from the Italy international. Forced off through injury midway through the second half, though.

Luca Rossettini - Typified Cagliari's dogged determination at the back with a terrific block on a goal-bound effort from Matri inside the opening quarter. Never let up from that point on.

Gabriele Perico - Was given a rough ride by Giaccherini and it was something of a surprise that he was not hauled off at half-time, with Pulga waiting until just under 10 minutes into the second half to make a change.

Nicola Murru - Worked tirelessly but was booked for giving away the free kick with which Giovinco struck the bar, so he was wisely replaced early in the second period.

Radja Nainggolan - A lively presence in the middle of the park, the Belgian embarked on a few marauding runs and even tried his luck from distance on occasions. Another display that suggests that he could do a job for one of Italy's elite.

Daniele Conti - The captain led by example in the middle of the park, winning the ball back with great regularity and using it intelligently.

Albin Ekdal - The Swede was extremely composed in possession and looked capable of making something happen every time Cagliari got the ball to him. However, he drifted badly out of the game the longer the second half wore on.

Daniele Dessena - Caused problems every time he drifted out to the right-hand side, and provided his forwards with some decent service.

Víctor Ibarbo - Tormented Barzagli early on. Indeed, he had already had a couple of nice early touches, cleverly lobbing the ball over the centre-half's head at one point, before then opening the scoring after a storming run from inside his own half.

Mauricio Pinilla - Nowhere near as dynamic has his strike partner but still held the ball up well enough, taking the pressure off his defenders with a couple of fine runs down the flanks. Never looked like scoring, though.


Substitutions

Dario Del Fabro - Took over from Murru eight minutes into the second half and did reasonably well.

Sebastian Eriksson - Came on for the injured Astori on 67 minutes but looked far more vulnerable at the back.

Andrea Cossu - Introduced in place of Perico shortly after half-time and performed diligently.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Conte dismisses Ferguson comparisons

The 43-year-old does not believe he will be with the Serie A champions for anything
like the same length of time the Manchester United boss has remained at Old Trafford.

May 11, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has dismissed comparisons with Sir Alex Ferguson and believes it would be "boring" to stay with the same club for 26 years.

Conte spent 13 years with the Bianconeri as a player and has been in charge of the side for a further two - clinching a second successive Serie A title last week.

But with the Manchester United boss announcing his retirement after 26 years at Old Trafford, Conte has dismissed comparisons with the outgoing Scot.

"Me the Ferguson of Juventus? First of all I want to applaud a great manager, but I think it will get boring staying on the same bench for as long as 26 years," Conte remarked elusively after the match.

"I dont think we could've achieved anything more in these two years. We achieved the absolute maximum. The players have done magnificent things.

"If someone thinks I am happy at just winning the league though, they are mistaken. I'm hungrier than ever. A coach always has to find ways to improve the squad. It's not just about the quality, but the hunger to win.

"Everyone will expect bigger things from us. They'll want us to win the Scudetto again and to do better in the Champions League. We will do our best."

Earlier on Friday, the former midfielder told BBC Sport he would be tempted by a move to the Premier League in the future: "I didn't go abroad as as a football player. I would love to do it as a manager," he added.

"I hope, in the future, to be a coach in the Premier League. I have this aspiration, as this would enable me to improve my professional career. And the time will come for that."

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Chiellini: 'Juve never gave in'

May 11, 2013

Juventus have been presented with the Scudetto trophy and Giorgio Chiellini insists “we never gave up, though Inter made us realise we weren’t unbeatable.”

The Bianconeri had won their first Serie A title without losing a single game, but that run of over 40 consecutive rounds was ended by a 3-1 home loss to Inter.

“It was an extraordinary cavalcade with great results and many sacrifices,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia after today’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari.

“We never gave up and in the Champions League faced off against the strongest side in Europe, Bayern Munich.

“Did we ever fear losing the title? Inter woke us up from a dream, as we thought we were unbeatable and that defeat got our feet back on the ground.

“From that point on we began again. Many thought we would lower the intensity in Serie A after progressing in the Champions League, but we maintained our concentration across both tournaments.”

Antonio Conte has been hesitant on his future this week, warning the squad needs to be improved if they are to keep on winning.

“Conte will stay with us, as we are at the peak of this new era and it’s wonderful to grow together,” assured Chiellini.

“He is the main architect of this success and we all want to continue with him. I hope we have Simone Pepe back with us at full fitness next season, as we really missed him and he suffered being in the stands.”

Juventus won’t be able to beat Fabio Capello’s 2005-06 record of 91 points, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cagliari today.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Conte: 'Juve unlike any other'

May 11, 2013

Antonio Conte feels his Juventus are “unlike any other” and after the Scudetto party is looking forward to a vacation.

The Serie A trophy was presented to the team at the Juventus Stadium this evening after their 1-1 draw with Cagliari.

“It is all so wonderful, the fact we achieved this success and followed up the title from last season is all stupendous,” said Conte.

“There’s one more game to go, then we will go off to enjoy our deserved vacation, seeing as for two years we have been working hard. We need to do well in order to rest properly, because it takes a lot of energy to reach these targets.”

Giorgio Chiellini called Conte “the architect” of their success story, but the Coach has a different viewpoint.

“The lads have been the protagonists throughout these two years, as they always had their minds on the job and trained the best way possible. Can we win again? It’ll be very tough, as we need to work hard and never feel sated. It was difficult for us to follow the Scudetto up this year.

“The player I was most impressed by was Paul Pogba, as don’t forget last year he was in the Manchester United youth team and never really played.”

If they can also challenge in the Champions League, then this Juve could be considered among the top all-time Bianconeri line-ups.

“I don’t think this Juventus resembles any of the previous sides. In terms of grit and determination it can be likened to Marcello Lippi’s, but for the ideas and style of football I think it is unlike any other.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Buffon: 'Proud to lift trophy'

May 11, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon lifted the first Scudetto trophy as captain today. “I’m happy to be important for the fans and my team.”

Last season it was Alessandro Del Piero who held the silverware aloft, but this time round the presentation concluded with Buffon wearing the captain’s armband.

“I am happy to be a man who is important for the fans and my team,” said the goalkeeper.

“What of the future? I don’t take any other clubs into consideration. When you win for two years in a row, it means there are many important players in the side who could become captain one day. We’ve got people like Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal or even Leonardo Bonucci.

“I am sure Antonio Conte will remain, as he has black and white blood running through his veins. In order to win the Champions League we’d have to improve to the level of Bayern Munich, who at the moment are above everyone else.

“The problem is that all the other teams will also try to raise the bar, so it’d be extremely difficult. In any case, the Champions League can also depend on minor incidents, like the draw, one save or one goal.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Vidal: Juve can be like Bayern

May 12, 2013

Arturo Vidal says he is happy to stay at Juventus, a club he believes could become as strong as the present Bayern Munich side.

The Chilean is one of the outfit’s most wanted players and there are suggestions that the Old Lady could sell if a big enough offer was tabled.

“I’m content and I am not thinking about anything else,” he told Tuttosport. “Obviously you never know what will happen in football, but I’m happy here.

“I have an excellent relationship with boss Antonio Conte. He’s an exceptional person and an out of the ordinary Coach.

“The fans also recognise my generosity. They have understood what I want to do on the pitch and they know that when I put on the Juventus shirt I play with my heart.”

The 2011 summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has been a key figure this term and is the club’s joint top scorer in Serie A with 10 goals.

“It’s a big strange, but our style of play allows for this to happen. Our strikers are judged badly, but if I or Claudio Marchisio score then it is because Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and the others make sacrifices for us.”

While Juve dominated Serie A, their Champions League dream was wiped out by Bayern Munich in the last eight.

“There is a big difference between Bayern and ourselves, but that is because they have been following a project for years and they’ve reached three Champions League Finals in four years.

“I think Juventus can follow the same path. I actually think that we are stronger than Bayern were a few years ago. We can become like them.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Víctor Ibarbo (13′)

Mirko Vučinić (61′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese
Attendance:‬ 38933‎

Buffon: Bayern two steps ahead of the rest

The legendary Italian goalkeeper saw first hard just how good the Bavarians
are during his side's 4-0 aggregate loss to Jupp Heynckes' men last month.

May 12, 2013

Juventus may have lifted their second successive Serie A title on Saturday, but captain Gianluigi Buffon freely admits that the Bianconeri still have much to do if they are challenge for the Champions League, arguing that Bayern Munich are currently "two steps ahead of the rest".

The Italian champions were dumped out of Europe's premier cup competition by their German counterparts, losing 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, with the Bavarians going on to reach the final by routing Barcelona 7-0 over two surprisingly one-sided legs.

Consequently, while Buffon is enthused by the progress that Juve have made over the past two years, he knows that there is still much work to be done if they are to win the Champions League.

"To do that, both us and other European sides need to improve in order to catch up with Bayern Munich, who are currently two steps ahead of the rest," the veteran goalkeeper is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"What’s more, if they win the Champions League this season, they’ll strengthen the team even further, so it will be a difficult task.

"Having said that, winning competitions like the Champions League can depend on luck: one fewer mistake, an extra save or a more favourable draw."

Buffon has played a key role in the Bianconeri's recent resurgence but he insists that their back-to-back title triumphs have been a real team effort.

"I’m happy, because it takes a long time to become captain of a team, but winning two years in a row means the squad has many leaders," he reasoned.

"I’m referring to Chiellini, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal and Bonucci."

Buffon lifted the title after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cagliari in Turin.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Team of the Season:
Cavani, El Shaarawy & Vidal among star performers

Goal runs through the best players in the Italian top flight in 2012-13
and picks out the top 11 players over the course of the campaign.

May 12, 2013

A season of high drama in Italy has brought its usual doses of pain and pleasure in equal measure. And it has also seen the reputation of a great many players increased by their consistent high standards of excellence. There have been a number who have been particularly excellent and they find themselves included in the Goal Team of the Season for Serie A as a result.

With star names such as Andrea Pirlo, Hernanes, Miroslav Klose and Francesco Totti all coming close but missing out, the strength of the chosen XI is simply phenomenal.

GOALKEEPER


HANDANOVIC (Inter)

Inter's decision to discard Julio Cesar was one of the more contentious transfer moves of last summer, but his replacement, Samir Handanovic, has ensured that the clamour over the Brazilian's exit was brief. The Slovenian has consistently had to bail the Nerazzurri out of difficult situations, and but for him their season could have been over much sooner than it was.

DEFENCE


BENATIA (Udinese)


BARZAGLI (JUVENTUS)


RODRIGUEZ (Fiorentina)

With only 18 games under his belt this term, Mehdi Benatia has appeared fewer times than any other player in our Team of the Season, yet his magnificent performances in that time have helped Udinese to yet another critic-defying league placing.

Andrea Barzagli has been a rock once more for Juventus, with his consistency one of the main reasons why the club have again won the Scudetto with by far and away the best defensive record in the top flight.

Fiorentina's renaissance has been assisted by the form of Gonzalo Rodriguez. After leaving relegated Villarreal, the Argentine found Florence to be the perfect setting for a return to form, helping to ensure to Viola's return to European competition.

MIDFIELD


LICHTSTEINER (JUVENTUS)


VIDAL (JUVENTUS)


HAMSIK (Napoli)


ILICIC (Palermo)

Stephan Lichtsteiner has quickly become one of the world's most effective wing-backs and marked himself down as a first choice at Juventus for some time to come yet. A number of superb performances from the Swiss have been the platform for Bianconeri victories on their way to a second straight title win.

If one player has been more influential than Lichtsteiner for Antonio Conte's side this term, it has been Arturo Vidal. The Chilean midfielder has again proven himself to be an irreplaceable cog in the Juventus wheel, helping to not only break up attacks but also finish them off, with his 10 goals making him the club's top scorer.

Of all of our XI, nobody has featured as regularly in the Goal Team of the Week series this season as Marek Hamsik. The Slovakian has made our shortlist no less than 10 times in the current campaign thanks to his consistent match-winning displays which helped Napoli to finish in second.

The future may not be bright for Palermo after their relegation to Serie B, but one player who will be able to take some positives from 2012-13 once the dust has settled is Josip Ilicic. The Slovenian has at times been the Rosanero's only hope in an otherwise undistinguished season; his superb run in the second half of the campaign was so good that he almost dragged his side to safety single-handedly.

ATTACK


DI NATALE (Udinese)


CAVANI (Napoli)


EL SHAARAWY (Milan)

The magnificence of Antonio Di Natale simply knows no bound. Before 2009-10, the Udinese striker had never once hit 20 goals in a season, but he has now managed that particular feat for four successive years. At 35, he should by rights be running out of legs and luck in front of goal, but he continues to lead the Friulani from the front with bewildering brilliance.

Napoli would not have reached Europe without Edinson Cavani, let alone the Champions League. When the Parternopei have needed a star to lift them onto that extra level, the Uruguayan has been there every time. Hat-tricks against Lazio, Roma and Inter have boosted his goals tally to an unparalleled 28, and if he stays in Naples next season few would back against him replicating that figure.

When AC Milan lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain and started the season in lacklustre fashion, their lack of a potential talisman seemed stark. Step forward Stephan El Shaarawy. Then 19, the Italy striker blasted his way into world football's lexicon with goals and performances that put so many older, more experienced players to shame. While finishing was not the primary reason for his signature two summers ago, his 16 goals speak of a man who has been ready to contribute however and whenever his side has needed him.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Complete Serie A Final Day Preview

May 15, 2013

The final game of the 2012-13 season is upon us.

It would be nice to say that there was a lot riding on the matchup between Sampdoria and Juventus at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. Juve clinched the title with three matches to go. The relegation battle is now over with Samp seven points and three places clear of the drop that claimed them two seasons ago. Even Juve's quest for a club record for points in a season was nixed last week at the Juventus Stadium when they drew 1-1 against Cagliari.

So what is at stake on Sunday? For Juve there's revenge—Sampdoria came from behind on a pair of second half goals to beat Juve in their house on the return from the winter break. Antonio Conte's men have likely not forgotten that night, but they are also not going to be playing at full strength. Conte has been resting starters since clinching the title, and injury and suspension will mean changes on the bianconeri's vaunted back line.

Let's take a look and see what this game has to offer the fans who won't be glued to the battles for the league's final three European qualification places.


Sampdoria Overview

Sampdoria has acquitted itself well since returning to the top flight following a year's absence.

It was a surprise to see Samp back in Serie A this year. They finished in sixth before barreling through Sassuolo and Varese in the playoffs to get back to the promised land.

The Genoese club immediately positioned themselves to stay in the top flight. Midfielder Andrea Poli returned from a loan spell at Inter. Maxi Lopez was brought in on loan from Catania, as was winger Marcelo Estigarribia—who spent last year at Juventus—from Uruguayan club Deportivo Maldonado.

They started the season with a bang, beating Milan 1-0 on the season's first day and garnering 11 points in the first five rounds of the season.

From there, the bottom fell out. Seven straight losses put them as far back as 17th, and from the end of September through the winter break they garnered only seven more points.

They came roaring out of the gate in 2013, claiming their biggest scalp at the Juventus Stadium and going on a 5-3-1 (W-D-L) run from the start of the year through the beginning of March.

Since their 1-0 win against Parma on March 3, however, they haven't won a single match. They've drawn enough that their good start has kept them out of the relegation zone all year long, although they did get some help from point penalties to teams like Siena and Torino (and were on the receiving end of one themselves).

Safe in the top flight next season, Sampdoria will look to end on a high note and build up the squad to finish higher up the table next season.


Juventus Overview

Last week's 1-1 draw might have ended Juve's quest for a record number of points in a season, but the night was rocking as the bianconeri were presented with their second straight scudetto.

Juve gained first place in the second week of the season and never relinquished it. They carried their unbeaten streak from last year to 49 games before losing at home to Inter.

A controversial loss to Milan, the shock to Samp and an away loss against Roma were the only blemishes on their record.

The team's three-game victory lap will conclude in Genoa, and eyes will look towards the summer acquisition of Fernando Llorente—and any other strikers that the team may bring in to finally solidify the final phase of the team.


Key Players: Sampdoria

Mauro Icardi

Twenty-year-old La Masia product Mauro Icardi is Samp's leading scorer despite having not scored a goal in nearly two months.

Still, the Argentine has been impressive since the turn of the calendar. Eight of his nine goals have been scored since the winter break, including a brace against Juve and four goals against Pescara.

His scoring spree in the new year has attracted attention, however. Three weeks ago he was included in an alleged statement by Inter director Marco Fassone as one of five confirmed summer signings. Inter immediately denied that Fassone gave such an interview in the immediate aftermath of the report, but only Tuesday Samp president Garrone confirmed that Icardi will be playing for Inter next year

One thing is for sure, if Samp are to scalp the Turin giants one more time, Icardi will need to have a stellar performance in his last game in a Sampdoria shirt.

Andrea Poli

Poli spend last season on loan at Inter, and this year he's been a fixture in the center of Sampdoria's midfield.

A defensive force with plus potential as a passer, Poli has averaged three tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game this season to go along with three goals. He'll be the man tasked with bottling up Andrea Pirlo—or whoever is playing in his place on Sunday—and keeping the passing lanes between Juve's midfield and forwards clogged.

Poli was expected to have gone to Juventus on a co-ownership this past winter, but a foul-up in communications lines at the hotel that teams were using as a communications hub on deadline day delayed the deal too long for it to go through until the summer. It is expected that the deal will go through over the summer, with Poli adding depth behind Juve's MVP midfield—although recent reports say that AC Milan is looking to hijack the deal.

Eder

Icardi's strike partner at the top, Eder has scored six times this year and notched four assists in 29 games.

A veteran of Serie A after seasons with Brescia and Cesena, the Brazilian likely knows Juve's back line better than any other of the forwards likely to see the team sheet. If anyone other than Icardi is likely to steal a goal against the bianconeri, Eder is one of the likely candidates, especially against a back line that is going to be missing some key pieces.


Key Players: Juventus

Alessandro Matri

Alessandro Matri has started both games for Juve since the team clinched the title. With a high-profile attacking option arriving next season and more possibly on the way, I think the Juve brass are seriously evaluating what he has to offer to the club before deciding on his fate after the season.

Matri has scored 10 times this season in all competitions, and has been surprisingly efficient. He has converted 21 percent of his shots into goals this year over league competition and the Champions League. Compare that to Manchester United's Robin van Persie, who has scored 28 times between the EPL and Champions League but scored on only 18 percent of his shots.

Still, Matri is much-maligned for having never replicated the form he had in 2010-11, when he scored 20 goals between Cagliari and Juve. A pure goal-poacher, Matri's first touch is key for him. If it's true, he is as dangerous as anyone—but if it's off, he'll usually look silly. It's been his inability to put himself in position for more shots that has Juve fans clamoring for his exit. His hold-up play also leaves something to be desired—against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal it was one of the reasons Juve was never able to get a foothold in possession.

Matri can use this last game to show everyone that he's worth having around next year. Otherwise, he's going to be playing for another, lesser team.

Luca Marrone

Is he a midfielder or a centre-back?

That's been the question about Marrone this season. In 11 matches between the league and Champions League he's played in the midfield only once, with a few other turns in the middle in the Coppa Italia.

In that midfield role Marrone hasn't really impressed. Starting in Andrea Pirlo's deep role in the Coppa quarterfinal against Milan, Marrone was eventually hauled off for the man himself in the 77th minute after not doing much to influence play. Last week against Cagliari he again wasn't particularly impressive when sent to the middle of the field.

He does have the skills to make it in the midfield. He's completed 91.8 percent of his passes this season in league play and averages 6.1 successful long balls per game. He has done well when moving to the back three, and was especially valuable there when Giorgio Chiellini and Martin Caceres were out injured. He may be back there this week with Chiellini suspended for yellow card accumulation and Barzagli uncertain after leaving the Cagliari game due to injury.

Look for the youngster to play as much as possible again, so that the team can decide just where his future lies.

Mauricio Isla

Arguably the worst move of the Conte/Marotta era, the Chilean was expected to be Juve's vice-Lichtsteiner, but has done little and less this season. He's only contributed one assist and no goals, only finding his way onto the field 10 times in the league and another five in the Champions League. In the team's November loss to Milan he was abused on the right-hand side and was hauled off at halftime for Simone Padoin. Some also point to him for conceding the penalty that was the difference in the match, but in that he's blameless—the handball call against him was terrible. Regardless, he didn't play again until the middle of January.

Isla will likely play on the right again this week, and he'll need to show something very, very special to Juve's brass, or else he'll find himself back at the Stadio Friuli while his traveling companion Kwadwo Asamoah stays in Turin.


Manager: Sampdoria

It's really quite amazing that Delio Rossi has a job in soccer anywhere after his actions last season.

For those who don't remember, Rossi was in charge of Fiorentina last year when he substituted Adam Ljaijc in the 32nd minute of the third-to-last game of the season against 19th-placed Novara. Down 2-0 at the time and not far from the drop themselves, Rossi decided he needed to do something. Ljajic, however, took offense at being hauled off in the first half and sarcastically applauded his coach, then gave him a further thumb-up from the dugout.

The lack of respect apparently caused something to snap in Rossi, who shoved Ljajic and then jumped down after him throwing punches. The viola immediately fired him, and FIGC gave the coach a three-month suspension.

Rossi took over the job at Samp in December after Ciro Ferrara, who after picking up 11 points in the team's first five games only managed seven in the next 12.

Rossi has won five games since coming on and has ensured that the Genoese outfit will stay up next season. He's a proponent of the 3-5-2 that has been sweeping Italy, using it in most matches, including Samp's last three.


Manager: Juventus

Not much more can be said about Antonio Conte than what has already been said.

The former Juve captain took over a team that had suffered through back-to-back seventh-place finishes—the ramifications of calciopoli finally hitting them full in the face—and led them to a 49-match league unbeaten run from September of 2011 to November of 2012 and consecutive scudetti.

The hallmark of his great run has been tactical adaptability. On his arrival, he willingly gave up on the 4-2-4 formation that he had made his name with as a manager in Serie B in order to play to the strengths of newly-arrived Andrea Pirlo. The team's shape morphed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 until a lack of a decent left-back and an abundance of quality centre-backs saw the 3-5-2 installed, and Juve has never looked back.

Conte has recently tinkered to a 3-5-1-1 to give Paul Pogba more playing time and to cover his lack of a killer edge at the forward position. The biggest questions, though, are about the future. There are rumblings that Conte is dissatisfied with the transfer limitations Juve—and all Italian clubs—are being forced into by the Italian financial crisis, and he has no shortage of interest elsewhere.

Chief amongst the theoretical destinations for the coach are London side Chelsea, but president Andrea Agnelli said Tuesday that he is confident that his coach will stay next season.


Recent Matchups

The teams met for the first time in two years on January 6 at the Juventus Stadium, and Samp pulled a huge surprise. Sebastian Giovinco opened the scoring with a penalty in the 24th minute, and the champions were further out on the front foot seven minutes later when Gaetano Berardi was shown a second yellow card.

But an uncharacteristic error in goal by Gianluigi Buffon gifted Mauro Icardi an equalizer seven minutes into the second half, and the Argentine completed the comeback 16 minutes later with a screamer that Buffon had no chance to stop. Juve couldn't even press for an equalizer despite being a man up, with Sampdoria looking always the better team throughout the second half.

In the two seasons before Sampdoria's relegation after the 2010-11 season, the two sides played to two draws (3-3 and 0-0 in '2010-11) and split in 2009-10, Juve winning the first game 5-1 and Samp taking the return match 1-0.


Key Matchup 1

Sebastian Giovinco v Daniele Gastaldello

Sebastian Giovinco has appeared in 30 games for Juve in Serie A this year, but until last week's game against Cagliari, he hadn't played in a month. Much was expected of the Atomic Ant after his return to the team from Parma, but he just hasn't delivered. There's no guarantee that he starts here, but I think he will, as Juve will need to know what they have in him.

Ironically, Juve's recent move to the 3-5-1-1 might be most beneficial to Giovinco if he were plugged into the system. He's much better as a "secunda punta" than he is as one of a striking pair. Much of his struggle this season can be attributed to playing in a spot that doesn't maximize his abilities.

Unfortunately, the point of the formation shift was to get Paul Pogba on the field while keeping Claudio Marchisio there, so the Italy international has stayed on the bench, and the 3-5-2 has returned ever since Pogba's season-ending suspension after the Palermo game.

On the other end, Gastaldello has been Samp's most consistent defender this season. He is tied for the team lead with 32 starts and has been playing excellently in Delio Rossi's own three-man back line. He is averaging 1.2 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and a whopping 8.7 clearances per match.

He will be the key to keeping Juve away from Sergio Romo stealing some more points from the champions.


Key Matchup 2

Leonardo Bonucci v Mauro Icardi

With Giorgio Chiellini suspended and Andrea Barzagli unlikely to be risked after leaving Saturday's game with an injury, Antonio Conte probably doesn't have many options in the back, and Bonucci will likely start. He will instantly become the team's best defender in the case and will be handed the assignment of locking down Icardi.

Added to his defensive abilities are his passing skills, easily the best for any defender in Italy and possibly in Europe. His skill with the long ball is unmatched by any of his teammates except Pirlo, and he's completed 88.7 percent of his passes on the season.

As already said, Icardi leads the team with nine goals and is bound for Inter. He scored twice against Juve—once on a gift and once on an unstoppable screamer—in January and hasn't scored since March, so he will be motivated to show that his huge run of form when 2013 began was no fluke and that he deserves his move to a big club.


Prediction

This is a game with nothing riding on it except pride.

That being said, even Juve's reserves should have enough to handle a team like Samp. I do, however, think that the potentially indifferent attitude towards the matchup and the likely presence of many secondary players in Juve's lineup—especially in the back—will make for a dull affair low on entertainment.

There are players with individual points to prove, but this game is played with 11 men a side, and I feel the overall attitude towards the game will be to stay in shape for upcoming summer international duty.

I say the score ends 1-1.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/